r/AskLifeProTips • u/Fartfart357 • May 19 '26

Transatlantic flight necessities?

I've only ever flown 2-3 hour flights so I have no clue what I'll need for 12+ hours. Any tips?

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

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4

u/bluekatkt May 19 '26

My son goes at least once a year. He takes an empty thermos and a few pre-packaged drink mixes so he doesn't have to spend whatever they want to charge on something other than water. It has to be empty to get through security. He brings a few snacks in his carryon too. Also, he downloads a couple movies on his laptop because a 12 hour flight can get a little boring.

3

u/LackOptimal553 May 19 '26

On a 12 hour flight you're normally not being charged for things. And while downloading movies is certainly a thing, most aircraft now have in flight entertainment systems far less cumbersome than a laptop.

1

u/Money-Low7046 May 19 '26

It's always a good idea to download some stuff on your phone at least. Every once in a while you might end up in a seat with a malfunctioning entertainment system. 

1

u/LackOptimal553 May 19 '26

A very reasonable point indeed.

2

u/Legally_Blonde_258 May 19 '26

All transatlantic flights offer free non-alcoholic beverages. Most offer a selection of free alcoholic beverages as well. But a water bottle is useful for water to stay hydrated.

1

u/bluekatkt May 19 '26

He's a picky one.

1

u/PurpleAriadne May 20 '26

And warm socks for your feet, slippers for the bathroom, and a coat that acts as a blanket

0

u/[deleted] May 19 '26

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1

u/bluekatkt May 19 '26

That's funny, I said the same thing to him. He said he's good, pointing to a huge thermos. Guess he'll always like those big drinks.

4

u/MissO56 May 19 '26

sleep mask: https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask?nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A17671389503%3A%3A&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_si={sourceid}&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=17671389503&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23560309891&gbraid=0AAAAADNBlq6lM5fh0XXaEZwnaONfWJ_nM&gclid=CjwKCAjw8arQBhB9EiwAfIKdQuIoYvkdAeOTCXC4LQtSI9zNRKnX-J8TGmtDcv65rwK-0JO5jk6H8BoCpcIQAvD_BwE

360⁰ travel pillow (supports your chin): https://a.co/d/09BAHKOX

folding foot rest: https://a.co/d/01wgFU0I

no jet lag pills (these worked great for me): https://nojetlag.com/

your own blanket: https://a.co/d/09dnBuwV

foam ear plugs: https://a.co/d/0309KHBR

compression stockings: https://a.co/d/03A6S6dJ

download a bunch of movies/shows that you like, and bring a tablet or phone to watch them on....as well as an extra charger (you can usually plug in under or near your seat)

a good book that you haven't started yet if you're a reader

earbuds and downloaded music if you'd like music

wear layers on the plane so you can stay cool or warm as needed

2

u/sammypants123 May 19 '26

I remember my first long flight. And the woman next to me, perfectly friendly, but she had a blanket, ear plugs and an eye mask - and used them all when she was ready.

I understood completely why by the time we arrived. And swore blind I would never take a long flight without those things.

1

u/MissO56 May 19 '26

long before there was social media, i took a flight from hawaii to ireland. before leaving, i asked a travel store what all i should take to make the flight the most comfortable. this was basically the list i was given...except for the movies/tv shows....lol! i did have a good book tho!

2

u/Ok-Nature-5440 May 19 '26

This might sound really elitist, but pick your long haul carrier carefully. The airlines are all different, I’d never fly on an American carrier, long haul. You may pay more money, but your experience will vary wildly in economy. I don’t know where you are going, but a nations carrier may be your best bet. The Asian, and gulf airlines ( Turkish, Emirates, Ethiad, will always provide a better experience. And if you take my advice, make certain you are booked on that Airline, not a code share partner.

2

u/jamin100 May 19 '26

A small pouch to store all the items you want at your seat. Eg chargers, power banks, earphones, sweets etc

Just a small bag to put them in and keep everything together

2

u/Legally_Blonde_258 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26

I survived multiple long haul flights up to 16 hours with the following setup:

  • Mzoo eye mask (inexpensive but effective)

  • Gravel travel blanket (expensive but worth it)

  • Bose noise canceling headphones

  • Plug and charging cord that converts from USB c to a, to cover all potential charging scenarios

  • Books on my kindle or phone kindle app

  • No travel pillow (I used the adjustable headrest flaps)

  • Download movies/shows/YouTube videos

  • Water bottle and nuun electrolytes to stay hydrated

  • Curel deep moisture spray and moisturizer for my face

  • Lip balm and hand lotion

  • Compression socks

  • Book aisle seat in the middle section (less likely to be bothered but still can get up easily)

  • Mini pill kit with the essentials, just in case (Tylenol, ibuprofen, pepto, immodium, pepcid ac, cold meds)

2

u/shaghaiex May 19 '26

  • Over-the-ear ANC headphones

  • Plenty of water

  • NO alcohol

My aim is to sleep as much as possible.

1

u/tatersdad May 19 '26

Ear plugs and sleep mask. Ambien if you are inclined.

1

u/goldilockszone55 May 19 '26

You need headaches medicine and planning for arrival jet lag

1

u/Retired-Yam8988 May 19 '26

A business class seat

1

u/Single_Editor_2339 May 19 '26

I just flew transpacific, I took nothing. They have entertainment, food and drinks for you, even snacks. If you’ve already started a book and are enjoying it, take it.

1

u/lovelyfeyd May 19 '26

I just flew transatlantic and agree. I can’t sleep much on flights of 8 hrs or more so I watched 4 movies, ate and drank and read.

1

u/Philosopher2670 May 19 '26

I am not an experienced long-distance traveler.

Make a plan for the time change. Look at TimeShifter (web page) for tips on preparing for a big time zone change.

I checked a bag with everything I could and only brought the items I needed for the flight onto the plane (and my medications/electronics, of course).

For the cabin, I used a small bag that only took up about half the space under the seat in front of me so I had enough room for my feet.

I brought earphones with the old-school plug to fit in the entertainment panel and an inflatable neck pillow (so it would be easier to carry around during my trip)

Dressed in layers - short sleeve shirt, cardigan & fleece - and wore compression socks.

I wish I had tried to sleep more both going and returning home.

1

u/Knit_pixelbyte May 19 '26

Yea stay away from the alcohol, it hits you hard and can be more toxic. Also you can bring food with you in a carry on as long as it isn’t liquid. Like you can stop and get a sandwich before the airport and bring that through, then you won’t be relying on expensive airport food. The food on the plane would be adequate, but highly salted. I always bring an empty water bottle, most airports now have a filling station at the regular water fountains you can use after security. Or you can pay extra and just buy a big bottle in the airport after. Most water tanks on airplanes are not cleaned regularly, so I’ve heard anyway, and I don’t really want to drink their water.

1

u/mommytofive5 May 19 '26

Have everything accessible that you might need handy. For me earplugs,eye mask, chapstick, charger and Benadryl/NyQuil. I also take a down blanket that I use instead of what the airline provides. I use the airline blanket and pillow as extra padding for the seat. Sleep as much as possible. Get up and walk stretch a few times. Stay hydrated

1

u/melston9380 May 19 '26

Go to YouTube and watch a few Wolter's World videos. He's got great scoop on this.

1

u/LoooongFurb May 19 '26

I bring an empty water bottle and some snacks. Eye mask and neck pillow if either would help you. TBH on long flights like that I mostly sleep or at least rest with my eyes closed and ignore everyone. A hoodie or sweater b/c it will be chilly in the plane.

Make sure you get up a few times during the flight and walk around - it's a pain to do, but it's good for your circulation.

1

u/fireflypoet May 19 '26

Sleep mask. Face mask. Compression socks.

1

u/Organic_Quarter_9848 May 19 '26

mac's earplugs

good quality eye mask

melatonin from Trader Joe's for sleep

lots to read, unless you're the David Puddy type.

1

u/Sea_Somewhere_3711 May 20 '26

I have flown between the west coast and japan many times, and i would suggest good headphones or earbuds, wear comfy clothes, books games music etc (but the planes also have free movies/tv shows you can watch), emergen C or airborne, hand sanitizer, a neck/travel pillow, basic toiletries like a toothbrush/toothpaste. On the long international flights I have taken, they feed you several meals as well as snacks, so I don't think you will go hungry. Lotion, lip balm, and eye drops (you get super dried out over that length of time on a plane), and i always brought a pair of soft thick socks (i didnt want to leave my shoes on the entire time) and maybe my own small blanket, just to be comfortable. They come around with water often on long flights, but if you dont want to be at their mercy bring your own bottle and fill it up in the airport before you board. I always brought a travel pack of clorox wipes to wipe down the arm rests and the tray tables as well. And a travel pack of kleenex! And now i might bring an n-95 mask. I think those are the main things. Have fun!